SMHS Foundation Board
KATHLEEN LAGORIO JANSSEN
SMHS FOUNDATION BOARD CHAIR
The excitement is in the air as St. Mary’s High School approaches our 150th Anniversary in 2026. The St. Mary’s High School Foundation was established to ensure that St. Mary’s High School will survive and prosper for another 150 years and beyond. Through your generosity, the Foundation has over $9 million in the endowment and has distributed nearly one million to support our students since 2018.
Through an investment in the Foundation, you can establish your own named gift, specify the purpose of the funds and support future generations of St. Mary’s students in perpetuity. Your gift will allow the next generations of students the opportunity to receive a life-changing Catholic education. You can share this gift with thousands of students and truly make a difference.
Because so many of you asked about how to include St. Mary’s in your estate planning, the Saint Mary’s 1876 Society was established in 2022. An estate or planned gift is a financial contribution to Saint Mary’s that is stated in your will. This gift can be any amount, and you may specify how you wish the funds to be distributed. Your gift remains in the Foundation permanently and continues to grow and provide annual distributions. Your legacy lives on and continues to provide tuition assistance and the benefits of a Catholic education to deserving students.
There are many ways to give to the Foundation and establish your legacy. For more information, please contact Sharon Caporusso, Director of Advancement, at (209) 954-7904 or email
[email protected].
Please be assured that your Board of Directors, under the guidance of Bank of Stockton Wealth Management Division, is carefully monitoring the Foundation’s investment to ensure steady and safe growth over the long-term and provide for the future of St. Mary’s High School.
MEET OUR FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBERS
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Jim Acosta '76
"As both an alumnus and a parent of 3 children that graduated from Saint Mary's High School, I know the benefits of receiving a quality education. I want to be able to support those individuals seeking the same but cannot afford the full cost."
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Louis Bernadicou '52
"To sustain a Catholic education."
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Peter Gibson
"I give because there are always brothers and sisters in need. "If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?" 1 John 3:17. If we're to truly walk in Jesus' footsteps, we're to give our efforts, our talents, our time, and our resources to our brothers in and sisters in need."
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Peter Morelli '69
"We give to show how important and thankful St. Mary's High School has been to our family and we want to share this with others."
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Chris Neudeck
"Rita and I chose to support the Saint Mary’s High School Foundation for our children and grandchildren because education is one of the greatest gifts we can give future generations. We believe Saint Mary’s opens doors to opportunity and helps shape the next generation of leaders."
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Daniel Ortega '62
"I donate to the endowment as means as a means to contribute to scholarships for deserving students whose family could not otherwise afford the best high school education that Saint Mary's High School provides."
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Mark Rishwain '79
"Saint Mary’s High School has been an important part of the fabric of my family’s life for three generations. Our family is grateful its excellent education and close and faithful community. I joined the Foundation and support the SMHS Endowment to help those who desire the same for their families."
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Angie Van Ruiten Rogan '75
"After having the privilege of meeting several amazing scholarship recipients and hearing their inspirational stories, I joined the Foundation Board and gave an endowment so more deserving students could receive a SMHS education."
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Bill Trezza
"Supporting the SMHS Foundation enables talented youth in our community to enjoy the Saint Mary's experience, and benefit from it throughout their lives."
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Don Wiley
"We want to make a meaningful impact in our community. Supporting students who could benefit from SMHS but may not be able to afford it is one way we can do that. We've seen the value of an SMHS education through our own children's growth, and as donors, we appreciate the school's strong leadership and responsible stewardship."
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Doug Wilhoit '61
"I owe so much to Saint Mary’s High School for the wonderful education and life experiences I have received. I am truly honored to have contributed to the endowment, and to have the privilege to be on the Foundation Board ‘61."
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John Zeiter '80
"I joined the Foundation and contributed to the SMHS Endowment because of the balance of outstanding education and Catholic faith that I received over my four years at SMHS."
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